The Broken Hill rail line is set to recommence rail operations next week following its closure since October 2022.

The ARTC (Australian Rail Track Corporation) announced on Friday 20 January 2023, that the Parkes to Broken Hill line will recommence operations from 23 January 2023.

Services were significantly impacted as a result of record-breaking floods that travelled through the Central West in 2022, causing unprecedented flood damage across the rail line network.

Eighteen sites required substantial repair between Condobolin and Ivanhoe on the Broken Hill line.

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ABOVE: Over 22,000 hours of work has gone into the reconstruction of the Broken Hill line bypassing Condobolin. PHOTO: ARTC

ARTC Group Executive Interstate Network Simon Ormsby is pleased that the re- opening of the Broken Hill line will restore full capacity on the ARTC network between New South Wales, South Australia, and Western Australia.

"We are pleased to announce a reopening date for the Broken Hill line, and we recognise that the line is a vital link in getting goods across the country," Mr Ormsby said.

ARTC reported that up to 60 workers utilising 45 items of major plant have worked over 22,000 hours across the sites to repair damage.

Works conducted included track repair, restoring 10,500 tonnes of ballast, tamping, and restoring impacted level crossings and signals.